Link and Sheik rode their horses to Hylia's Ranch and arrived in a short time. Hylia's Ranch was one of the best ranches in Hyrule and many villages were given the food they made. The milk and eggs were especially famous. Even Hyrule Castle had deliveries from Hylia's Ranch from time to time.
When Link went to the house of the ranch's owner, Cremia, he knocked on the door which was quickly answered by Cremia herself.
"Prince Link," said Cremia once she found out who it was, "It's good to see you." "I'm sorry about your mother and the heavy burden you now have of becoming king."
"It's alright," said Link who was bothered by the reminder, "Is Zelda here?"
"She is," answered Cremia, "I'll tell her you're here right away." and Cremia went to get Zelda.
Zelda was Cremia's niece who often helped her aunt with many chores and deliveries. Four years prior, Cremia and Zelda went to Hyrule Castle for a delivery and it was the first time that Zelda had ever been to the castle. Out of curiosity, Zelda explored the castle behind her aunt's back and after a while was spotted by a guard. Zelda tried to run from the guard but was eventually caught when she was cornered. Link, who saw what happened, decided to defend her and prevent any trouble from coming. When he interfered, Link demanded the guard to leave Zelda alone. The guard then decided to talk to Archana and told her what happened. Realizing how determined Link was in protecting Zelda, Archana decided to allow Zelda to not get punished. After that, Archana spoke with Cremia and decided to let Link and Zelda be friends seeing how friendly the two children became. Since then, Link was allowed to visit Hylia's Ranch to spend time with Zelda and Zelda was allowed to be with Link during deliveries to the castle.
A minute later, Zelda came to see Link and Sheik and was happy to see them.
"Link," said Zelda, "I'm happy to see you." "I thought you would be at the castle while preparations for your coronation happened."
"I thought it would be best If Link spent some time with you in order to feel better after everything that has happened," explained Sheik.
"I see," said Zelda, "In that case, why don't you guys help me with my chores?" "I'm sure my aunt will be alright with it if I asked."
"That would be great Zelda," said Link, "It' not usually right for a prince to help with a ranch but it always makes me feel better at times like this."
Once Zelda got permission from Cremia, Link and Sheik helped Zelda with several chores like milking the cows, collecting eggs from the cuccos, and playing with the horses. That evening, Sheik left Link and Zelda alone so they could talk a little.
"Zelda," said Link, "This day has been fun for me but I have no idea what to do." "Once I become king, I can't do any of this with you any longer."
"That is a problem," said Zelda.
"I just can't believe my mother is dead and now I have to be king way earlier than expected," continued Link, "What should I do?"
"Maybe I can help you," said Zelda.
"What do you mean," asked Link, "How can you help me?"
"Well," explained Zelda, "Once you became king, we could get married and I could become your queen."
"Zelda," said Link, "We're ten years old." "We're too young to get married."
"You're going to become king Link," reminded Zelda, "Surely you can allow this to be an exception." "Besides, ever since we first met, I've always loved you and not just as a friend." "I also know that you feel the same way for me."
Link then blushed once he heard Zelda tell him that she knew his secret. It was true that he did always see her as more than a friend but he didn't know if it was a good idea for them to get married.
"I think it would be a good idea," said a voice who Link and Zelda found out was Cremia once they turned around and saw her and Sheik, "The truth is Link, your mother knew about the feelings you two have for eachother and told me that she thought that Zelda would be the best candidate for your wife and queen."
"My mother was also told of this," informed Sheik, "The Queen actually told tons people in the castle about the idea." "Some were against it, but many understood your feelings and decided to allow it when the time came."
"I had no idea my mother did that," admitted Link who then turned back to Zelda, "Very well Zelda, after I become king, we will get married and you shall become my queen."
"That's great Link," said Zelda who smiled and then kissed Link on the lips which was the first kiss for both of them.
When the kiss broke, Link and Sheik said goodby to Zelda and Cremia and went back to the castle.
After returning to the castle, Link went to his room and got ready to sleep for the night wondering how he was going to tell everyone about his engagement the next day.